Eye specialists have warned Nigerians about glaucoma, the notorious “silent thief of sight,” urging immediate action to protect vision through regular eye examinations.
In an NTA interview, Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr. Adaora Chinwendu Okudo from Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, and Dr. Amina Hassan Wali, Chief Medical Director of National Eye Center Kaduna, emphasized yearly comprehensive eye checks as the only reliable defense against irreversible blindness.
Why Regular Screening Is Critical
Glaucoma silently destroys the optic nerve without warning symptoms, making early detection through routine exams essential. The experts stressed that treatment at early stages prevents 90% of vision loss cases.
- Who Needs Eye Checks Most
- Adults over 40 years
- Family history of glaucoma
- People with high eye pressure
- Diabetics and hypertensives
“Yearly eye examinations remain the gold standard for glaucoma prevention,” the specialists declared, noting Nigeria’s high prevalence makes proactive screening non-negotiable for preserving precious eyesight.